Sometimes the presentation isn’t all that impressive though, which is when you need to bring in a few of their favorite flavors.

If they have a sweet tooth, a fun sweet party snack is the way to go. If they prefer more of the savory flavor, a good Halloween-themed everyday snack might work.

Whether your tween enjoys the sweet or the savory snacks, these fun Halloween party snacks for tweens are sure to be a hit at the party.

Halloween Party Snacks for Tweens

Make your tween's Halloween party memorable with these cute, sweet and scary delights to serve up.

Halloween Air Fryer Mummy Dogs

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

A fast and fabulous Halloween snack idea to feed the hungry troops. Hot dogs and crescent roll dough with decoratively placed eyes is all you need to make this crowd-pleasing savory snack.

Get the instructions

Halloween Chex Snack Mix Recipe

Photo Credit: www.devourdinner.com

You can't go wrong with an easy Chex mix when it comes to a tween party snack. This tasty Halloween party snack is something your tween can munch on throughout the festivities.

Get the instructions

Halloween Jalapeno Poppers

Photo Credit: www.mommymadethat.com

If your tween loves snacking on spicy foods, these Halloween-themed jalapeno poppers will make the perfect Halloween party treat.

Get the instructions

Halloween Mini Mummy Pizza Recipe

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

Pizza at a kids' party is always a good idea! These mini pizzas only take minutes to make with mozzarella cheese slices for mummy bandages and cute olive eyes

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Spooky Frankenstein Monster Guacamole

Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

This Frankenstein Guacamole platter will make the perfect snack for your Halloween party! It'll also impress your tween and their friends as they enjoy the celebration.

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Halloween Popcorn Balls

Photo Credit: theshortordercook.com

Popcorn balls are often a staple at Halloween parties, and these easy spooky Halloween snacks are the perfect mix of sweet and salty.

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Monster Rice Krispie Treat Balls

Photo Credit: budgetfriendlyfamily.com

If you are looking for a Halloween party snack that's easy to make and fun for Halloween, these monster rice krispie treat balls will be a hit that your tween can join in with making.

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Halloween Buffalo Chicken Dip

Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com

Another Halloween party snack that'll add a bit of kick to your party, this buffalo chicken dip is easy to make and delicious to snack on.

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Flaky and Fun Spooky Fruit Hand Pies

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

Make your own fun spooky shapes from pie crusts and fill with fresh blackberries for a gruesome sweet bite that will look awesome on your Halloween dessert tabe.

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Deviled Egg Eyeballs

Photo Credit: organized31.com

Who says deviled eggs can't be a party snack? These fun Halloween-themed deviled eggs will make the perfect single-serve party treat the kids can eat throughout the day.

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Pepperoni Skull Cheese Ball

Photo Credit: sulaandspice.com

A little spooky and a whole lot of fun, this pepperoni cheese ball is shaped like a skull for some extra Halloween flair.

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Healthy Halloween Muffins Recipe

Photo Credit: intheplayroom.co.uk

Want a fun, healthy Halloween party snack for the tweens to pig out on? These Halloween-themed muffins are both delicious and healthy - have your tween help to decorate.

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Spooky Homemade Halloween Pop Tart Recipe

Photo Credit: mamalikestocook.com

Pop tarts aren't just for breakfast! They also make the perfect snack for tweens, and these spooky homemade pop tarts will add some fun to your tween's Halloween party.

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Jack-O-Lantern Pepper Bowls

Photo Credit: www.5minutesformom.com

Adding a bit of balance to your spread, serve these cute mini Jack-'o-Lanterns with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have the perfect healthy Halloween party snack for tweens.

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Halloween RoTel Dip with Baked Tortilla Chips

Photo Credit: 3boysandadog.com

RoTel dip is an easy-to-make party snack, and this recipe shows you how to make it perfect for your Halloween party.

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Banana Monster Pops

Photo Credit: www.lanascooking.com

Easy to make, adorable, and fun for Halloween, these banana monster pops will be the perfect addition to your Halloween party.

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Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

Photo Credit: chickenscratchny.com

If you want to make that Chex Mix snack a little more sweet, you'll definitely want to try this Halloween Muddy Buddy recipe!

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Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

These mini graveyard dessert cuos add the perfect sweet finish to your preteens party spread - still cute and kooky and filled with their childhood favorites but with a more grown up scary theme.

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Looking for more tween Halloween party inspiration?

You may also want to check out:

• How to host an awesome tween Halloween party
• The best tween-appropriate scary movies for Halloween
• Try these cool Halloween costume ideas for tweens

The post Horrifyingly Fun Halloween Party Snacks For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Tweens are also at an age where trick-or-treating is no longer fun. They may still go with their younger siblings, but it’s more about attending Halloween parties and gatherings with their friends, where cool cred points count.

No matter what the reason is your tween is dressing up, these Halloween costume ideas for tweens will be a fun way for them to celebrate the spooky season in style.

Best Tween Costumes For Halloween 2026

Disclosures: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs, including HalloweenCostumes.com, earning a commission on qualifying purchases.

Inflatable Alien Costume For Kids

No products found.

Your preteens searching for a kooky costume idea for Halloween this year will love this inflatable alien. The smaller size will fit your tween up to a height of 55 inches/1.4 meters. (Needs 4 x AA batteries!)

Find it on Amazon

More Fun Inflatable Costume Ideas

Wednesday Addams

Looking for a cute Halloween outfit for a tween girl? You can’t get much more on-trend than this Wednesday Addams get-up. Complete with her signature plaits, belt, and stockings, this will undoubtedly be a go-to costume for girls in 2026!

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

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Mysterious Mummy

A pullover tank top with a mesh base layer, this Mysterious Mummy costume features torn strips on the top and pants, creating a bandage-like appearance. An ideal tween Halloween costume if you want to stick with creepy and scary but advance beyond a few wraps of toilet roll!

Find it on Amazon

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Sassy Devil

Even the Devil can be stylish! This fun Halloween costume is bright, colorful, and cute for tween girls. Unlike many adult devil costumes, this one remains modest and entertaining, making it a great choice for a pre-teen girl’s Halloween costume.

Find it on Amazon

Eleven from Stranger Things

Stranger Things made Retro totally cool again! Cute as a button, Eleven on her skate date will be fairly recognisable to your older tweens. Could also be paired with Mike of Max Mayfield for a dynamic yween girl duo

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

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Five Nights at Freddy’s

If your tween is into the Five Nights at Freddy’s game, this Halloween costume is the perfect look for boys. It’s especially designed with tween and teen sizing in mind, which can be tricky with full-body costumes.

Find it on Amazon

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Assassin’s Creed – Ezio

This Ezio Halloween costume will make the perfect outfit for video game-loving tweens who enjoy the Assassin’s Creed series.

Find it on Amazon

Sinister Jester

Ready to give them a little spooky scare? This sinister jester Halloween costume is a fun and spooky Halloween outfit for tweens.

Find it on Amazon

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Cosplay Jumpsuit Costume

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A take on the costume from a popular tv series that many saw on Netflix, this jumpsuit Halloween costume is perfect for sharing a spooky Halloween night.

Find it on Amazon

Groot Costume

It can get pretty chilly by Halloween, right? Long-sleeved and padded, your tween can show off their love for their favorite Marvel character while staying warm on Halloween night with this awesome Groot costume, including mask and shoe covers.

Find it on Amazon

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Twilight Huntress

Is your tween looking for something a little more grown-up and adventurous but still in keeping with their tween image? This Twilight Huntress outfit could be just what she’s after for something a little more mysterious and brave.

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

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Violet from Incredibles

If you’re looking for a fun family combo, then Violet and the Incredibles could be just the costume your tween girl will jump at!

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

Zombie Cheerleader

An oldie but a goldie, this can be a lot of fun and a relatively cheap costume idea. The Zombie Cheerleader is an ideal group costume for tween girls, or could also be a mixed tween group to have some fun with makeup and an introduction to more gruesome horror.

Find it on Amazon

More Zombie Costume Inspiration

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Grim Reaper Costume

The classic Grim Reaper never goes out of fashion when it comes to seriously creepy tween boy Halloween costumes.

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Hocus Pocus Costume

Want to keep it fun and playful? Dress up as Winifred from the classic Hocus Pocus movie! The perfect size for tweens, this dress is both comfortable and light, making it ideal for Halloween.

Find it on Amazon

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Superhero Halloween Costume

Superhero fans will love heading out for a night of trick-or-treating with this costume. Your tween girls will be on trend with this Ms. Marvel costume – or boys can’t go wrong with a classic Captain America or Thor.

Find it on Amazon

More Super Hero Inspiration

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands was a classic movie that seems to come to life each year during Halloween. This costume is perfect for tween girls, including everything they need to recreate the Edward Scissorhands look.

Find it on Amazon

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Kids’ Barbie Box

Something cute, creative, and on point for 2026; if you’re looking for Middle School Halloween costumes for your kid to stand out from the crowd, your very own Barbie box could hit the spot. (Spirit Halloween selling via Amazon has plenty more officially licensed Barbie costume ideas!)

Find it on Amazon

More Barbie & Ken Inspiration

More Halloween Inspiration For Tweens

Looking to make this the best Halloween yet for your tweens? In-person parties are back so why not check out:

• How to host an awesome tween Halloween party
• The best tween-appropriate scary movies for Halloween
• Superbly scary snacks to try at your tween Halloween party

The post 30+ Tween Costume Ideas to Slay Halloween 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

While these pre-adolescents are eager to embrace the thrills of a spooky movie night, it’s essential to strike a balance between fun frights and age-appropriate content. Finding films that captivate their budding sense of adventure without delving into excessive horror ensures a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience.

Whether your tween loves a good scare or is just dipping their toes into more intense storylines with suspenseful twists, these scary movies for tweens are a must-watch this Halloween.

10 Best Scary Movies for Tweens – Halloween Classics

Use your discretion in determining whether your tween is ready for some of the more mature themes that may be portrayed in these movies. We’ve split our list for older and younger tweens as some of our picks are classified as PG13 

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Hocus Pocus

PG

Maybe not a truly scary movie, but it’s a great classic to kick off the spooky season as all the family can enjoy this one together during the Halloween holiday.

Starring Bette Midler, three witches have returned to Salem from the 17^th century only to be welcomed by some unexpected pranksters who accidentally brought them into the current year.

Find it on Prime Video

Poltergeist

PG

Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist is a quintessential haunted house tale that has captivated audiences for decades.

Strange things start happening once a family moves into a house they find out was built over a cemetery in this classic thriller movie. Malevolent spirits invade their home, and the central storyline focuses on the mysterious disappearance of their youngest daughter.

For tweens ready to venture into the world of supernatural horror, “Poltergeist” provides an accessible entry point. The spine-tingling scares and strong emphasis on family bonds are balanced appropriately.

Find it on Prime Video

Frankenweenie

PG

Directed by Tim Burton, Tim Burton, Frankenweenie offers an ideal blend of gothic charm with a heartwarming narrative that resonates strongly with tweens, perfect for

The film’s central theme of resurrecting a beloved pet tugs at the heartstrings, while it’s monochrome palette and quirky characters add layers of eerie allure without being overwhelmingly dark.

“Frankenweenie” strikes the right balance between spine-chilling moments and heartfelt revelations, perfect for a Halloween movie night.

Find it on Prime Video

Goosebumps

PG

Based on the extremely popular R.L. Stine books, Goosebumps brings all of the spooky characters from the books to life as they terrorize a town. The perfect blend between chills and chuckles, the humor helps keep the scarier moments palatable for a younger audience.

With a mix of fantastical creatures, intriguing plot twists, and relatable characters, “Goosebumps” offers the perfect gateway into the world of light horror, ensuring thrills without the nightmares its an excellent choice for a tween Halloween movie night.

Find it on Prime Video

Halloweentown

PG

Marnie, along with her grandmother and siblings, take a trip to Halloweentown where they come across some spooky characters.

As a Disney Channel original, you know it will strike that balance between spooks without being scary with a little Halloween magic thrown in.

After you’ve watched the first Halloweentown, be sure to check out the sequels if you want a Halloween movie marathon.

Find it on Prime Video

ParaNorman

PG

Mom’s Got A Date With A Vampire

PG

Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket

PG

One of the best Halloween movies for tweens, a young mystery writer, Annabelle, is searching for a story and finds a 200-year-old mystery with the spooky story she has been looking for.

The film avoids intense horror or dark themes, favoring a more whimsical and adventurous tone, making it suitable for Halloween viewing for the pre-adolescent crowd.

Find it on Prime Video

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

PG

Ghostbusters

PG

It simply can’t be the spooky season without a dose of Ghostbusters in our household. A supernatural comedy, a team of parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City.

As they tackle a series of spectral nuisances, they stumble upon a plot that threatens the entire city, leading to a climactic confrontation with powerful supernatural entities.

Ghostbusters is generally considered suitable for a younger audience with comedy dominating, though it does include some mild scares and suggestive content, perfect for a Halloween movie night.

Find it on Prime Video

If your tweens are struggling to get their heads around the 80s-era special effects that make it such a pop culture classic, you can try the 2021 Ghostbusters:Afterlife (rated PG-13, but we think it still works with your older tweens).

8 Best Scary Movies for Mature Tweens

Parents should gauge their tween’s readiness for the following selection of scary movies for tweens – we always suggest you watch anything described as a horror movie first before screening in front of a bunch of preteens, no matter how ready they think they are!

Horror movies for tweens may not be appropriate because of excessive violence and gore. We have based the following section on movies we feel blend elements of comedy, paranormal, and suspense in an approachable way.

The Ring

PG-13

Moving up the maturity scale, this is a truly scary movie that starts with an urban legend. The Ring is a story about a scary videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later unless certain conditions are met.

It’s not full of gratuitous gore but has eerie visuals and a detective-style narrative. The intriguing storyline will appeal to those who prefer puzzle-solving and suspense over horror.

Find it on Prime Video

The Others

PG-13

Arachnophobia

PG-13

A thriller-comedy that centers around a deadly Venezuelan spider, which is accidentally transported to a small American town, where it breeds, leading to a terrifying spider infestation.

There’s a good blend of both humor and suspense, but also some genuinely creepy moments, so you’ll need to judge this on your child’s ability to handle creature-based horror, as it could result in a nightmare or three for your true arachnophobes!

Find it on Prime Video

The Village

PG-13

The Village unfolds in an isolated 19th-century hamlet where residents live in fear of creatures inhabiting the surrounding woods. The community abides by strict rules to avoid provoking these entities. When a few of the residents must leave to help save a friend, they disobey the rules to find out what really awaits outside of the town.

The film combines romance, mystery, and suspense elements, using atmospheric tension rather than graphic horror. It should be considered moderately chilling and best for your more mature tweens with a pension for suspense.

Find it on Prime Video

The Visit

PG-13

When a brother and sister, Becca and Tyler, are sent to live at their grandparents’ farm in a remote area in Pennsylvania, they notice increasingly strange behavior before discovering that their grandparents are involved in something disturbing and scary.

This found-footage style horror-thriller is recommended for mature tweens and teens as there’s some disturbing imagery and suspenseful sequences.

Find it on Prime Video

Insidious

PG-13

After a mysterious accident in the attic, Dalton falls into a coma, and his parents try to find help for him. As they try to get the help that is needed, they explore the paranormal by rediscovering the past.

Note that this movie is quite intense, with a series of jump scares, chilling music, and eerie visuals, which might be too much for younger viewers but a great introduction to the genre for your more mature pre-teens.

Find it on Prime Video

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

PG-13

Happy Death Day

PG-13

If your tween enjoys the scary movie with a bit of a slasher twist, Happy Death Day might be a good one to check out.

The plot of the movie tells the story of a woman who relives the day of her murder over and over. With each repetition, she gains more clues about her killer’s identity and must solve her own murder to break free from the time loop (think a spooky version of Ground Hog Day).

The film does contain some intense moments, jump scares, and themes of violence, albeit with a comedic undertone. It lacks the heavy gore typical of many horror movies, but there are thematic elements and occasional strong language that render it inappropriate for younger tweens.

Find it on Prime Video

Do you think your tweens can handle this group? Do you have any other Halloween classic movies that your preteens love? Let us know in the comments.

Don’t forget if you’re looking for more Halloween-themed inspiration, we can help you with that too:

• Check out our complete guide on how to host a seriously spooky tween Halloween party
• Serve up these creative and delicious Halloween snacks
• And don’t forget some awesome Halloween costume ideas for your tweens

The post 18 Scary Movies for Tweens – Perfect For Tween Halloween Sleepovers appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Begin by considering current pop culture trends, movies, or book series that have captured their attention. Think about the likes of magical worlds, popular video games, or even TikTok challenges turned spooky! However, ensuring the theme isn’t overly juvenile or too mature is crucial.

Seek feedback by brainstorming with your preteen or conducting a quick poll among potential partygoers – a haunted house of spider webs and spooky music never fails to please, but equally, seeking a modern theme can give your tweens more costume creativity during the spooky season.

Remember, it’s about balancing the thrill of nighttime festivities with the practicality of school nights and weekend schedules. So, as the clock ticks, make every moment bewitchingly unforgettable by sticking to a schedule.

Suitable Snacks and Halloween Party Food and Drinks

When hosting a Halloween party for tweens, the snack table isn’t just about satiating hunger; it’s an extension of the party’s spine-chilling atmosphere and an opportunity to dazzle with creativity.

Tweens crave a mix of familiar treats with a twist of the unexpected. So, whether you’re aiming for playful and eerie edibles or indulgent desserts with a dash of spookiness, curating the perfect spread requires a careful balance.

Some simple Halloween snacks that are not just a feast for the stomach but also a spectacle for the eyes include:

• Halloween Charcuterie Board – This board can be filled with holiday treats from hot dogs to gummy worms. It’s easy enough for the older kids to help you put it together. If you want to sneak in some fruits, you can cover them in chocolate or serve them up with ghastly names (don’t forget to label items in case of any allergies!).
• Ghoulish Guac – Serve your traditional guacamole and your favorite bowl, but add a sour cream spider web on top and serve with blue tortilla chips
• Weird-shaped cookies – You can purchase spooky-looking cookie cutters and have a blast decorating them with your tween to create an amazing finish.

Qilery 12 Pcs Coffin Shaped Wooden Mini Chalkboard…

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LFUTARI Glass Halloween Candy Bowl-Spider Web…

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Ann Clark Halloween Cookie Cutters Premium 5-Pc…

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• Dry ice punch – You’ll need a spooky drink for a Halloween party to entertain your tween guests. So smoky drinks or regular punch bowls with a skull or something spooky will work – there are a few more excellent mocktail ideas over here if you want to get super creative with your drinks!
• Brain-shaped jello or cake- If you have a Brain Gelatin Mold sitting around, it’s time you put that to work. You can use it to create a Jell-O or cake with it, and it will be a great centerpiece for your tween Halloween party.

There are plenty more ideas on keeping the troops fuelled for your Halloween party with this selection of tween Halloween party snacks.

Add A Superb Selection of Suitably Scary Movies

Playing scary movies at a tween Halloween party can set the perfect spooky ambiance, making the experience all the more memorable. However, it’s essential to choose films that are age-appropriate, offering chills without being overly intense or graphic on your tween’s first scary movie night.

A balance between fun and fright will keep the tweens entertained without causing nightmares later on!

Some not-too-scary movie ideas for tweens include:

• Goosebumps – Based on the popular book series, R.L. Stine’s monsters come to life in this fun adventure.
• Hocus Pocus – the tale of three witch sisters resurrected in modern-day Salem.
• The Boy Who Cried Werewolf – Inheriting the spooky Wolfsberg Manor in Romania, a freak accident turns Jordan into a werewolf.
• ParaNorman – A boy can speak to the dead and must save his town from a zombie invasion.

We have a much more detailed selection of the best Halloween movies for tweens over here.

It’s always a good idea to be familiar with the content or check reviews for any movies to ensure they align with the comfort level of your party guests and their parents!

2. Mummy Games

There are two common mummy games you can indulge your tweens in. One classic game involves wrapping the mummy, while the other involves racing using a rolled-up mummy.

So, to play Wrap the Mummy, you must divide the guests into teams. Each team will choose a mummy, and once you say “GO,” they will wrap their mummy either a roll of toilet paper, tissue paper, bandage wrap, or plastic wrap (when using plastic wrap, ensure the teams avoid wrapping the mummy’s face).

The first team to have their mummy wrapped without any skin but their nose and mouth showing is the winner.

When it comes to the mummy race, you will play this one differently as it’s longer. After each team has their mummy wrapped (preferably in plastic wrap), they will lower the mummy gently to lie on the ground, and once you say “GO,” they will roll the mummy to the finish line.

The game can end at the finish line, or you can make it longer by ensuring each team unwraps their mummy once at the finish line.

For an even longer race, once the mummy is unwrapped, the mummy can run back to the team, then the team will start wrapping up a new mummy in a relay race. The game continues until all team members have been wrapped and rolled over the finish line.

4. Halloween Treasure Hunt

Depending on what your tween loves, you can plan a Halloween treasure hunt in so many ways. You can turn the treasure hunt into a torchlight Halloween hunt or Halloween egg or pumpkin hunt. So, let’s talk about how to play a torchlight scavenger hunt game.

You can wrap sweets in tissue paper or cellophane to play this game. You could coat the wraps with glow-in-dark paint or stickers and hide them around the house or in your garden. When it’s time to play, hand each of your guests a spotlight and a basket or bag, switch off the lights, or put them in dim if playing indoors so the race can begin.

You can play it a little differently in the Halloween egg hunt or pumpkin hunt. Fill plastic eggs or pumpkins with candy and hide them all around the house or outdoors. You can use the early night by letting people search for these in the dark or let them play this game during the day. Either way, it will be a fun tween Halloween experience.

5. Guess the Name

This game can be all-inclusive since you can involve the guests in creating it. Ask your Halloween guests to write down the names of a couple of famous Halloween characters on a piece of paper.

These names can be from spooky films or stories. They can be named like a ghoul, ghost, goblins, etc.; you can tear these papers and fold them in half, then place them in a bowl or something spooky like a witch’s hat.

Now that the first part of the game is done, it’s time for the fun to begin! Divide your guests into teams (they could be two or more teams). Now, each team can take turns playing the game.

When the team picks a person, they pick a piece of paper from the bowl or hat; then, you can set a timer as they start giving their team members clues to the name.

You can set rules to this game, like giving too much information, like what the names start with. If they guess the name correctly, the team can take up another go at guessing it.

Let’s say you have a timer for 45 seconds; this means that the team playing can guess as many names as they can in those seconds. You can also give the teams one chance to pass around the paper so another team member can help out.

Once the timer goes off, the teams have to switch up until there are no more words in the hat; then, you can check their scores to determine which team has won.

6. Create a Crime Scene Murder Mystery

You can create a fake crime scene at your party for this murder mystery game.

All you have to do is gather up objects one can find at a crime scene, but don’t use dangerous ones like knives or ropes. You can use items like certain fruits, wooden spoons, magnets, or even stuffed animals.

Divide your guests into teams and let them create a crime scene using the items you gave them. This is a fun activity for kids at a Halloween party for tweens.

7. Pumpkin Carving Contest

You can also indulge your guests in this amazing Halloween-appropriate game; your creative tweens will appreciate it, and it works well with a larger group to entertain. You can create different categories such as spooky, scary, funny, cute, or classic designs, so there’s more than one winner and different creative directions they can take.

You can also let them draw on the pumpkins if you don’t want them to carve or you feel they’re too young and irresponsible to handle carving without causing an accident (not all preteens are as mature as each other!)

Either way, this is one of those classic Halloween party activities you can’t miss off your agenda if you’re having a traditional spooky season event.

8. Pinata

Of course, every tween will love the idea of whacking something until a treat falls out. So, why not get an appropriately spooky pinata for your tween’s Halloween party?

To hold this game in a Halloween theme, ensure you purchase a Halloween-themed pinata. It could be something like a pinata shaped like a skull, a bat, a Frankenstein head, or other amazing options you’ll find in the store.

Fill the pinata with an array of Halloween candies and treats for your tween guests to enjoy. The great part about Pinata is younger children can join in too

9. A Halloween Twister

Making a twister game fun during Halloween involves you making some printouts of monsters. You could attach each monster to a twister color that looks similar to them.

For example, you can stick Frankenstein to the green dots and Dracula to the red dots. You can also help your tween decide which monster should represent the various colors.

You’ll play the game similarly to the classic Twister, except the board will have monsters instead of colors.

Party Favors For a Tween Halloween

It’s always nice at the end of your tweens party to send your guests home with a keep sake. Choosing Halloween gifts for tweens can be a bewitching task; honestly, there’s no limit to the creativity you could use if you’d like to give out party favors.

Whilst our tweens might have just about had their fill of sugar and bags of candy by the end of the night, why not choose something that resonates a little deeper and won’t just end up straight in the trash?

• Try adding some scary novels they can devour later, like The Graveyard Girls, or the latest release Venus Fly Trap from the Ghoul School series, ideal for 9 to 12-year-olds.
• A super gross chemistry set would be a fun touch for your guests to continue their ghoulishly gross ideas at home.
• These Halloween crafting kits are ideal for older children who can undertake tasks independently.
• Or add a simple glowing Halloween bucket for them to complete their trick-or-treat, an easy win that never grows old.

1-2-3-4, I Declare a Thumb War (Graveyard Girls)*

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Halloween Craft Kit for Kids, 4 pcs Glass Mason…

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Yaomiao 4 Pcs Halloween Trick or Treat Bucket for…

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We hope this has inspired you and your tween to plan a Halloween party that definitely won’t be considered too lame or babyish but perfectly brews their maturity and personality for a memorable night.

The post Halloween Party Ideas For Tweens: Games, Snacks, Movies & More! appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Therefore you need to have cool birthday party ideas that are hip enough for even the pickiest tween. While planning a birthday party for your tween can be overwhelming and stressful, having a plan might get you a safe landing.

A great tip that will always put things into perspective is remembering that it’s all about your tween and their desires now that they are getting all grown up; come with your ideas and planning tips but let them take charge!

We’re here to help you today with this huge list of tween birthday party ideas, plus planning tips to make everything run smoothly for your older kids’ celebrations.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

How To Plan A Birthday Party For Your Tween

Planning a birthday party can be exhausting and time-consuming, BUT  it’s not if you break it down into small parts. Here are some tips that will ensure you and your tween host a smooth and memorable event.

1. Choose a Theme / Party Type

Considering that it is your tween’s birthday party and you want it to be dope, you should sit down with them and choose a party theme.

Listen to their ideas of how they want the theme to be incorporated into the whole event, i.e., the cake, decorations, attire, party favors, and other birthday details. Or perhaps there’s no need for a theme but a core activity you can work around.

Picking a good party theme is probably the most challenging step in party planning as it has to be fun, unique, extraordinary, exciting, and breathtaking. And also allow everyone to look fab and take instagrammable selfies.

We talk more about party themes below! Read on…

2. Timings

Knowing when the party will begin and end and the day will make the whole event more manageable. Your tween will let you know the most suitable date and time to hold their party.

This will ensure it does not collide with their friends’ planned parties, and also, it should be ideally at the beginning of a weekend or the holidays so your guest won’t have to worry about school the following day.

Do be firm on an end time; nobody enjoys that lingering guest who never goes home! And if it’s a sleepover, set your expectations upfront on lights out and when the end of the party will be.

3. Food and Entertainment

Deciding on the budget for the party will help you know how many guests you can invite over.

The best part is that most tweens aren’t too fussed about fancy snacks – you can still get away with the likes of chips, pizza, hotdogs, and sodas, which are not that expensive to cater for.

What form of entertainment does your tween fancy? And is it going to leave your pocketbook busted? Cheap birthday party ideas for tweens also rock; you don’t always need to be hiring out equipment or entertainment companies for your pre-teen kids to still have an incredible time.

4. Guest List

How many guests does your tween want? How many can you handle? You should walk over the guest list with your tween to ensure you agree on the number of friends you can host BEFORE invites are sent out!

While reviewing the guest list, you should be sincere with your kid about who you are uncomfortable having over. This will ensure you stay as far away as possible when the event is ongoing, as you will be comfortable with the group dynamics.

Will your party be mixed boys and girls or single gender? It is around this age that kids’ interests divest; you will find your tween children move quickly through the phases of being best friends to the girl germs/boy germs phase and then suddenly crushes and teasing – it can be like walking a tightrope to keep on top of!

A parking plan is another thing to remember when planning a guest list and total numbers. If you live in a busy street or apartment building, space and parking for parents need to be factored in.

Do consider inviting the parents to stay briefly at drop off and pick-ups, especially if you don’t know them well, so they can be comfortable with the party setup before leaving their tweens to party independently.

5. Set The Rules For Behavior

You should communicate with your tween beforehand what is expected of them on the material day. Be sure to define the rules and boundaries clearly. This will ensure you do not keep showing up when your tween is having fun with their peers. Trust me, in the event you are uninvited!

6. Traditions You May Want to Uphold

You might have some unique traditions you want to uphold during your tween’s birthday party. A simple birthday celebration becomes unique and memorable when you add little touches that set the day apart.

Over the years, you have learned what ticks your favorite person in the world. Ensure that whichever tradition you choose to work with does not come out as an embarrassment in front of the peers. Examples of traditions are:

• Let your kid pick the cake they want
• Birthday person compliment time
• Making a memory keepsake of the year
• Posing for a family photo or next to a favorite part of the house or garden each year

7. Locate a Place to Set Up The Party

If your tween intends the birthday party to be lowkey, then your house will be suitable. Your backyard will also come in handy when setting up locations. Ideally, you should have dancing, food and drinks, and activity zones.

If your tween decides on a large party, you should consider renting out space outside the home. Alternatively, setting up picnic tables and barbecues in the local park to accommodate all guests comfortably.

Check if you will require any permits for this in advance – popular city parks or entertainment venues can sometimes be booked up months in advance – we talk more about outside the home party themes below.

If you’re outside, don’t forget to have a gazebo mounted nearby just in case the weather decides to change.

8. Let Your Tween Send Out The Invites

Let your tween feel like the “grown-up” they crave to be. Allow them to send out the invites via any digital means they prefer. Be sure to require an RSVP so you can have a certain number to plan for, and be sure the party invitation doesn’t spread wider than its intended recipients!

Make sure your tween party invite includes:

• What the occasion is for – clearly!
• Date and timings
• Location or pick up point
• What you will be doing – if there are any special themes, dress-ups, equipment needs
• RSVP – phone number and cut-off (especially if you’re booking external activities)

It’s always wise to follow up on digital communications with the parents, too! Unsuspecting parents need time to plan; even if their tweens know what’s happening, they may not!

It may be wise to mention that the party will be supervised and ensure the other parents have your contact details.

9. Remember to Put Away Your Valuables

Whilst it’s doubtful your tween hangs out with thieves; kids can be a bit careless and forgetful. If you’re having a party in your home, consider putting away expensive and fragile things in a separate room.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a room set aside where kids can leave coats, bags, phones, and all their other essential tech that follows them everywhere, so nothing gets lost or misplaced.

10. Consider Having A Chaperone

Do you want to monitor your tween’s party without spoiling the fun?

By the tween years, we’re long past parents staying for the duration of the party. But do consider getting a second set of eyes that will allow you to cover the whole ground.

Have you got an older, trusted teen they won’t be embarrassed to have hanging around? A cool aunt or uncle, a God Parent?

When everything is all set and running, try as much as possible to steer clear of the party and let the person you assigned take over in handling the crowd.

Always, always be on hand still though for supervision and in case there are any problems. You, the parent, should be on hand to report back to parents and deal with any first aid issues or mini tween-crisis that can inevitably erupt.

Birthday Party Themes For Tweens

On to the fun stuff now; here are some fantastic tween birthday party themes to make sure their party is one worth remembering.

We have classified them into two categories of home ideas, i.e., indoor and backyard party ideas for tweens and out-and-about ideas in honor of the soon-to-be teenager in your life.

At Home Ideas For a Tween Birthday

Tween parties at home can be less costly than out and about with older kids, and it’s easier to keep an eye on your child, but there’s always the inevitable cleanup after you can not avoid.

At-home birthday parties are also a great idea, especially if your tween’s birthday falls during winter. Some at-home cool tween party ideas are:

1. Slumber Parties

How better to let your tween loose and relive their childhood like a pajama party? Tweens love sleepovers, and this is the perfect age for your children to start enjoying a night away from home in a safe and comfortable environment.

Why not step up your sleepover game and do something out of the box? Sleepovers are best if your tween invites a few of their closest friends rather than a large group.

Having a theme will also ensure you make your tween’s slumber party memorable. You could consider;

• A movie star party – dress the part and pick your favorite tween movies for a binge batch
• Spa night – with face masks, nail polish, and other beauty treatments
• Camping – you don’t need to be under the stars for a fun indoor tent set up
• Making pizzas and cupcakes – keep them busy in the kitchen and that’s your catering taken care of too!
• Neon party
• Gaming challenge – what tweens wouldn’t love video games galore

A pajama party tops the list as one of the best fun and low-budget party ideas for tweens. There are still plenty of slumber party games you can play while engaging your birthday tween in some of their favorite activities.

Remember to state in your invite if sleeping bags will be needed and any extras your quests may need to bring.

2. Backyard Party Themes

Are you on the lookout for a great summer birthday party idea for tweens?

A backyard party theme means a chilled outdoor vibe and easier cleanups with a broader range of activity options. This will allow you to set up all the games, food, and craft stations around your yard beforehand. Backyard parties are a good idea when your tween wants to invite a bigger crowd.

Remember to decorate the backyard with lots of flowers, pretty balloons, glow-in-the-dark lights, and plenty of soft pillows to give your at-home tween party that extra special touch.

Some fun backyard themes include:

• Backyard beach party
• Music festival night
• Backyard movie theatre night with popcorn at the popcorn bar
• Backyard camping
• Vintage tea parties
• Carnival themed parties
• Tie dying and crafting
• Obstacle courses or climbing walls

You can also include some fun games like badminton, volleyball, spike ball and more. The great thing about backyard parties, you set the budget! You can make it as low key as your tween desires, to hiring tents and activities, which brings us nicely to…

3. Organized Activities That You Can Bring To Your Home

Yes, you read right! You can still make your tweens’ birthdays extra unique and memorable even with social distancing. Some of the pre-teen birthday ideas that work are;

• Plan a birthday treasure hunt: Is anyone in the mood for a scavenger hunt? These can be far more challenging than you’d set for your younger kids, possibly even taking them out into the neighborhood to pick up clues and cool prizes as they go
• A fun idea is to set up a balloon trap outside your tween’s door! Wait in the crowd and watch them get ambushed with a wind tunnel of balloons
• Have a movie marathon with a hired projector screen and popcorn machine
• Make a fabulous spa party for your king or queen; hire nail technicians or beauty specialists to your home
• Candle making, bath bomb making to cupcake decorating, all can be organized with an expert who comes to your home to teach the kids – a big step up from your magician and mad scientist parties from when they were little!
• Neon glow-in-the-dark dance party with glow sticks
• Hosting a dinner party is fun to make your tween feel all grown up, have them help prepare the menus to the table settings with their own unique theme

4. Pool Party

If you are lucky enough to have a pool at your home, or one you can easily borrow? Pool parties are perfect for any tween, especially if you’re celebrating a summer birthday.

Blast some music, use balls to play fun games, water guns, and plenty of giant inflatables.

Ensure enough drinks and cups are on hand and keep the sunscreen on tap; have some shade to retreat to and towels for breaks out of the pool. Make sure you have somewhere for your growing tweens to change discretely.

There are so many fun themes and games you can add to a pool party to ensure your guests have a grat time:

• Have a Hawaiian-themed party with mocktails and lays
• Set up a mini Olympics; swim races, floatie races, and lots of fun racing games

To our point above, even if your tweens are all great swimmers, this party definitely needs a chaperone to ensure everyone’s safety.

Out and About Ideas for a Tween Birthday

1. Camp out

Remember, tweens love sleepovers, and camping out makes it even more fun. Your tween and his or her peers can each bring their tent, or they can decide to mount up one that can hold all of them.

Have you got any local State Parks or recreation reserves that will allow you to bring a group? Check if reservations will be needed in advance. You may even find somewhere that lets you borrow equipment.

Once you’ve worked out sleeping arrangements, there’s no end to fun camping activities for your tweens to enjoy. Camps with no campfire are boring! So make sure you set up a campfire to make their s’mores as they chat the night away.

Don’t forget to decorate the tent while spicing it up per your tween’s preference. It is all set for them to enjoy! While this is an excellent tween boy party idea, it can also appeal to your tween girl who loves outdoor adventures

2.  Laser Tag Party

Is your tween into laser tag fun? It is a fun birthday party for tween ideas. Then you should consider booking a laser tag center or taking the party to the park. A great fun tween party idea for your birthday boy and his friends to burn some energy and have a fun time in the process!

3. Amusement Parks

Rollercoaster? Tick. Junk food? Tick. Amusement parks can be a fun place with loads of fun activities for your tween and their friends for an exceptionally thrilling birthday treat leading into those teen years.

If you are lucky enough to live near a theme park, this is a great one to save up for an extra special birthday for your tween and a few select friends.

4. Beach Party

Do you live near the water? We’re sure your tween would love a beach party.

Remember to decorate with inflatables, beach balls, and loads of easy-to-eat snacks and cool drinks. Do not forget sunscreen and a bit of shade.

Similar to a pool party, a beach party opens up endless fun themes you could play around with and a great lineup of timeless party games they’re definitely not too cool for, yet!

5. Hiking

If your tween is outdoorsy, then an epic hike will be right up their alley. You should ensure they are familiar with the route and have a chaperone. Set the distance you’ll be going so you can make sure it’s in all the party guests comfort range.

Also, do not forget to pack great snacks and drinks. They can combine hiking with a sleepover, camping trip or a dip in the pool or a beach to cool their heels!

This is a great tween party idea for tweens who are more connected to nature and prefer not to be cooped up indoors or traditional party formats indoors.

6. Fun-Filled Road Trip

If your tween’s invitees are few, a short road trip would be a fun and cheap birthday party idea. You can always make the road trip more lit by combining it with surfing, camping, sleepovers, and more.

It would be wise to use two vehicles for any emergencies that may arise.

7. Hotel Staycation Night

You don’t have to travel far from home to treat your tween to a dreamy vacation!

Your tween will appreciate the plush surrounding and, of course, the independence granted at a sleepover in a hotel room. They will have an all-in-one package as most hotels will likely have a games room, swimming room, spa, and an opportunity to order a movie and some room service while we’re in their fluffy robes and slippers.

You can always book an adjacent room to ensure you are close enough to help should the need arise and far enough to allow them the giggles (or hushed bases) and noise. It is a fantastic tween girl party idea, though we’d bet there are a few tween boys who’d love it too!

8. Beauty Spa

Why not spoil your queen or king with all the necessities of beauty therapy? Let them feel special on this day and pamper themselves. They can even do some DIYs to make bath bombs, friendship bracelets, sugar scrubs, candles, and more.

9. Cooking Class

Fancy pizza making or learning to make your own pasta? How about a baking or cake-decorating session?

Ask around your local businesses who would be prepared to set aside some private space and use of their kitchen for your tween and their gang to test out their cooking skills – and that’s meals and clean up sorted for you too!

10.  Sports and Hobby Based Themes

Is your tween a sports lover? There are so many fun activities you could book your birthday kid and all their friends in for.

Here are just a few you could consider, though it will be dependent on what you have available near your home;

• Setting up a soccer clinic for the birthday girl or boy and their mates
• Hire out some tennis courts and set up your own mini tournament
• Hire out a go-kart track
• Book a session at an ice rink, roller rink, or skate park
• Hire out a few lanes at the ten-pin bowling alley
• Set up a girl’s self-defense class appropriate to their age group

We hope this has helped to prepare you for your upcoming tween celebrations. Remember as they grow older, birthdays aren’t just a celebration of self, but something inclusive that pre-teens get huge pleasure being able to share with friends.

You may still want a small family celebration separately where gifts are exchanged, but a birthday party can be one of the best gifts your tween will ask for.

Tween Birthday Gifts

And a quick note on presents! We can definitely help you with this too.

We have hand selected gift guides to cover you throughout the tween years plus plenty of specialty gift guides depending on your tweens interests over on the tween gifts section of our website.

In our day and age, its a common practice for party guests to bring a gift for the birthday child. If you’d prefer they don’t, make sure this is stated clearly in the invite. Perhaps give an alternative that a donation can be made to a chosen charity on your child’s behalf.

Happy party planning tween parents! Let us know if you’ve got any other great suggestions in the comments.

The post 20+ Incredible Tween Birthday Party Ideas: Themes For 9 to 12-Year-Olds appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Or do you want to throw a memorable summer blowout for your tween and the gang? Whatever you have in mind for your tween, a pool party is a great way to celebrate or turn a hot summer day into a special occasion.

Most preteens at this age think theme parties are for little kids.

A pool party for tweens, on the other hand, lets them relax, burn that much-needed energy and only needs a limited number of structured activities and rules – it’s the sort of party that can really run itself and (as long as you own a pool to begin with!) relatively inexpensive to run.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

How To Plan a Tween Pool Party

Summer is the best season for pool party ideas. The summer season makes your tween (and all of us) become more active and eat better. The warm weather can also improve your tween’s sleep and boost their immune system!

With so many benefits of summer, you do not want your tween to miss out on getting their daily dose of vitamin D. What better way to enjoy the summer than with a well-planned pool party.

Of course, the venue is already taken care of if you have a pool in your backyard. But do not sulk cause even if you do not have a pool, you can still hold a pool party. You can outsource the pool from most public hotels available for party rentals.

Here are some incredible tips for your tween’s pool party.

1. Let Your Tween Send Out Invitations

Before you begin the planning, allow your tween to envision the dream pool party. What does it look like? What foods will they like to eat during the party? Is there an overarching theme?

Once you have the vision, it will make party planning easier. And whether your party has a theme or not, make sure your invitations are fun and vibrant.

Don’t forget to include any items that your preteen guests should bring. These might include:

• Swimsuits
• Towels
• Sunglasses or visors
• Sunscreen
• Safe water resistance bags for storing clothes and non-pool gear.
• Waterproof cameras for capturing the memories
• Swim goggles or masks

2. Buy Cute Summer Decorations And Picturesque Pool Floats

Decorations are essential for setting the tone of any party. To give your tween’s party a relaxed, happy vibe, you need many attractive colors.

Flamingoes, beach balls, and palm trees are all great ways to liven up the party atmosphere. Don’t forget inflatables, as they also make great photo props for a perfect Instagram shot.

Other classic party decors include streamers, lantern lights, balloons, and tableware. Whichever direction you decide to take with the decorations, do not forget to ensure they have a summer feel.

Cute pool floats will also rock as your tween and her friend lounge on classic pizza, flamingo, unicorn, or ice cream floats. Floaties and life jackets will also come in handy if a friend of your tween doesn’t know how to swim (just leave them discreetly lying around for them to choose from).

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3. Have a Wide Array Of Fun Snacks and Drinks

If your tween is spending many hours in the sun, you need to ensure the party has enough drinks for refreshments. For simplicity, fill a cooler with ice and popular beverages, don’t forget water.

You could also elevate your tween’s party by setting up a tiki bar with fancy drinks. With easy kids’ mocktail recipes, it will be a banger for the party. Another clever detail that will kill it is having a floating bar for your tween to deliver the drinks inside the pool.

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Balancing between junk foods and healthy foods is essential for satisfying your preteen guests. Have a balance of fresh fruits for salads and typical party foods like crackers. Those who love salty foods will also have everything, like chips!

Dips are also great as they are healthy and filling. You can also decide to fire up the grill and treat your tweens friends to a barbecue. Not only are hotdogs and hamburgers inexpensive, but they are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Remember to cover vegans by getting some veggie options.

4. Great Playlist and Pool Party Games

Summertime is about having fun! So your tween’s party needs a playlist that is full of hits. Streaming services have tons of curated party playlists for your tween to choose from and build their playlist. Remember to claim a free trial before the party to get rid of the pesky adverts every few minutes.

Outdoor waterproof speakers will come in handy to make the music play loud enough.

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With plenty of food, music, and friends, your tweens’ party will be a blast. To take things up a notch, make sure to have games prepared. Pool party games are great, and you can always go for the classics like pairing up to play chicken or a water balloon fight – more ideas below!

• Jump over here to find some more outdoor gifts for tweens; many of these cool outdoor toys may be the perfect compliment to a pool party

5. Pool Party Safety Plan

Safety around the swimming pool should be your highest priority.

Having fun in the sun and splashing around the pool is excellent, without anyone getting hurt. Here are some general guidelines for everyone to remain safe as they take in all the fun:

• You need to select chaperones who should be ready to get in the water in case of an emergency – having mom and dad hanging poolside may not be appreciated; have you got an older responsible teen or cool aunty or uncle who’d be happy to play the role of chaperone/lifeguard?
• Be sure the pool area is clean and free from debris that could be stepped on, tripped over, or used inappropriately.
• If the pool where the party is to take place does not have lifeguards, ask a few of the invited tweens’ parents to help you watch the party.
• Remove unnecessary pieces of equipment, children’s toys, hoses, sandals, etc from the pool area to free up space and eliminate temptations.
• Have some waterproof phone cases with you to document the best moments while inside the pool.
• Take precautions to keep pests away: Tiki torches are great as they repel bugs, but if you do not plan on using them during the party, try burning some candles with a strong scent.
• Create a sunscreen station. Skincare experts recommend reapplying sunscreen after every two hours. Especially when you spend the day outdoors, encourage the tweens to apply it as needed and ensure the sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher.
• If there is any problem, calmly pull the tween aside and explain your rules.
• There should be written rules if you host the party in a public pool. If it is a private pool, you must create rules and explain them to your tween’s guests. Discourage any horseplay, diving, and stunts, as they are easy ways to get serious injuries.
• If you know an older tween who has lifeguard training, you might offer to hire them for the day.

Got a tween girl worried about being on her period for a pool party? Make sure you check out our guide to period-proof swimwear for tweens; don’t let her journey to womanhood dampen the pool party fun!

Tween Pool Party Themes

The secret to throwing the best pool party ever is choosing a theme that resonates with your tween’s age group. Here are some of the most fun and popular pool party themes that are age-appropriate and sure to delight all your tween guests.

Luau, Leis, and Other Hawaiian décor

Luau are so much fun, with bright colors, lively activities, and delicious foods.

Let your preteen take her guest on a kid-friendly journey to the Aloha State with a Hawaiian Luau pool party. Leis are popular themes, making pool party decorations easy and affordable.

Your tween guests should wear their most colorful tropical swimsuits. The brighter, the better!

Backyard Beach Party

Transport your tween with her pack to a beach-themed pool party for tweens. Summertime is a great time to create a beach in your backyard. You might decide to decorate the table with seashells and fishnets.

Float toy sailboats in the pool and have a sandbox on the side to bring in the beach feeling. With this theme, your tween and friends should rock flip-flops and swimsuits. You might even spice it by gifting the guest a sand bucket filled with beachy treats.

Pirate Pool Party

Ahoy, matey! Let your tween hit the open seas for the adventure of a lifetime by throwing a pirate-themed pool party. Pirates are mostly known for wearing red and black, so use this as your tween’s party colour theme.

You can also create a pirate photo op by getting an old cream or yellow sheet and painting a vintage treasure map on it. Decorate your pool area with skull and crossbones flags and treasure chests—place parrots on the backs of pool chairs.

Before the party begins:

1. You should toss jewels, toys, and plastic gold coins into the pool. Allow the items to sink to the bottom of the pool.
2. Have the tweens jump in the pool to find the buried treasure underwater.
3. See who can collect the most prizes!

When put in stripes and polka dots, red and white patterns are the real deal when sticking to a pirate theme. Remember to add touches of black, a captain’s hat, and an eye patch!

Tween Pool Party Decorations and Favors

Check out these cool pool party favor ideas and decorations. Your tween will make a splash with any of these fantastic toy ideas for their pool-themed party.

1. Giant Inflatable Pizza Slice
2. Inflatable Volleyball Net
3. Squirt Guns
4. LED Beach Ball
5. Rainbow Inflatable Beach Balls
6. Beach towels around the pool for convos or laying-out.
7. Keep the bugs away. Set a mood with citronella candles. It might also help if you have bug spray available for your tween’s guests.
8. Ask your tween which music he/she would like to play during the party, as beach music is a must! 
9. Watermelon Ball Game
10. Use bright color table cloths and hanging strings of lights to set the mood for an evening party.

These pool accessories and beach items will add to the natural decor.

Fun Tween Pool Party Games

Tweens pool party games can add hours of entertainment that bring plenty of laughs to any summer gathering. Ensure various game options, as many preteens do not always enjoy structured activities.

Here are some party games if you are hosting a pool party:

• Octopus Tag
• Noodle Joust
• Sharks and Bait
• Speedy Duck
• Hot Diggity Dog
• Pool Hippo 
• Balloon bomb race
• Wet Shirt Relay
• Bottomless Dwellers
• Greasy Watermelon
• Volleyball
• Grape toss

We hope these pool party ideas will help your tween host the most memorable of pool parties. If you’re looking for more tween party ideas, make sure you also check out:

• How to pull off the perfect tween slumber party
• Birthday party themes and ideas for tween boys & girls
• See our complete collection of the best gifts for tweens

The post How to Host a Terrific Tween Pool Party appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

The joy of a sleepover at the end of a party is matchless. It helps your tween and their friends to unwind and have fun with their gang. Let us not forget that having a few sleepovers is pretty much a rite of passage for tweens.

Your tween is old enough to start having slumber parties and sleepovers, which is a special time with besties, munchkin on snacks, watching movies, and talking about everything until the wee hours of the morning, creating memories.

So, which are the cutest and most epic sleepover ideas for your tween? Of course, not forgetting that proper planning will mean you steer clear with minimal, if not any, parental involvement. Trust me; your tween wants you to disappear when chilling with their buddies.

We share some fun and exciting ideas for sleepovers and slumber party ideas for tweens in this post. From lip-smacking snacks to silly games to the best movies to watch and fun DIY crafts any tween would love. 

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

How To Plan a Sleepover For Tweens

Sleepovers are a blast but did you know they are also fundamental for your tween’s growth? It is a fun time for your tween, and they do not get very much sleep. Instead, party, play games and talk all night. And why not?

Planning a successful sleepover takes some time and creativity. Tween slumber parties are great for a birthday, after-prom party, or school vacation, and with a few tips, you can ensure all the tweens have a great time while staying safe.

Here are some tips to ensure your planning is easy and stress-free. Read on to learn the best sleepover ideas for your hosting queen.

1. Set The Rules Beforehand

Before planning, sit down with your tween and discuss the sleepover rules to be on the same page on ‘the day.’ Let your tween know which rooms they can access, if there is a specific bedtime, and the types of TV or movies they are allowed to watch.

Try and cover everything and anything that will entail that day. By establishing the rules before party planning, your tween will know how to handle her besties and plan to fit their party within your set ground rules.

Make your tween understand that they are the party’s host, and it is their responsibility to ensure their hosts have a fun and memorable time.

2. Create Cute Sleepover Party Invitations

All parties start with invitations. What more is your tween’s birthday sleepover? And making your tweens invitation will be an excellent way for the two of you to bond and narrow down the guest list. 

These cute party invitations are free and customized to your tween’s taste. From mermaids to unicorns and more, there are a lot of adorable cards your tween can decorate. And what’s more, your tween can also add their selfie to make it more personalized. How cute!

Your tween will need to include what her guest will need to bring, such as a flashlight, pillow, sleeping bag, etc. They can even ask their friends to come rocking PJs. Your tween can also use the invitations to ask her friends to contribute to the sleepover by bringing sodas, candy, and whatever they would want to share.

The invitation card should also include a query to your gang parents on their tween’s allergies, dietary restrictions, medications, mobility, or sensory challenges for ease of preparation.

Remember to include any special events and all necessary details on the invitations, and let your tween have the liberty to mail, email, or post their invitations online.

3. Cozy Sleepover Space

The slumber party games need a larger area than your tween’s bedroom for the gang to have enough room to stretch out. The living room is ideal since it is likely larger, making it comfier to set up. This will also prevent any jealousy over who sleeps on the bed.

You can feel the room with extra blankets and pillows to create a warm bohemian environment. Your tween and her buddies can also use these supplies to build a blanket fort or have a pillow fight.

This also helps isolate the party from the rest of the family, so no one feels like they are intruding. Also, ensure to put supplies in the room to clean up any spills.

Your tween can also decide to fire up the slumber party by setting up a giant sleeping fort that can fit all of her friend’s sleeping bags. These will make the party feel more private and create the perfect place to whisper secrets.

4. Party Snacks

Sleepovers are a special occasion. Let the tweens indulge a little more than usual. You might need to get enough food for the day. Ask your tweens what easy snack recipes they would love to do themselves.

But it is wise to keep the snacks as simple as possible, making store-bought snacks a great option. And it is also the best way to ensure every picky eater has something they can enjoy.

Chips, candy, pizza, popcorn, cake, ice cream, drinks, and fruit salad are classic party foods. You can also bring your tween for some grocery shopping to make her feel like the boss lady.

5. Girls’ Sleepover Ideas and Activities

When you gather a bunch of tween friends in one room, there is bound to be lots of giggling and antics. Low key and casual are the best activities for your tween sleepover. Let your tween tell you the activities they will love to do with their peers.

Remember not to over-schedule events and have a few ideas with your tween to ensure boredom does not get a room throughout the night. 

Games and planning crafts

Some games might include playing hide and seek and pillow fights with the ground rule of no hitting in the face. Making a friendship bracelet is also a favorite or baking a treat together.

Movies

They are the best opportunity to enjoy party snacks. A movie marathon is an activity your tween and her peers will enjoy as they pair it with a hot chocolate or a pie. Your tween can also keep a running movie bingo game going. This is a perfect DIY slumber party idea where players can check off certain movie tropes as they happen.

These are all our favorite movies for tweens – from modern hots to classics every tween should see at least once!

Make Popcorn To Go With It

Depending on how adventurous you tween eaters are, you can pair the movie with different popcorn flavors to beat the old microwave bag!

Music

What’s a party without music? Get the sleepover gang a stereo into the room they will be sleeping and let them let loose with a dance party as they giggle and whisper. You can also consider firing up the old karaoke machine.

Coordinate matching tween frame pajamas

Best friends love matching. This will be dope and a fun sleepover idea. While the PJs are a great idea, your tween might also decide to have matching robes, sleeping masks, slippers, or other cute choices.

Fun tween sleepover games

Gather your tween’s collection of games and leave them in the corner of the room if they want a laid-back activity. You can also decide to challenge the tweens with something they have not played before. Stating the rules to a new game and figuring out the strategy is fun.

Makeovers

With your tween, the makeover is a huge deal. Allow her to learn how to wear it by getting a makeover kit. You can even spice it up by letting them do blindfolded makeup on each other as a challenge.

Coloring

Of course, not the old coloring your tween grew out of! Get them cool crayons, makers, and different colors of paper! They will use them to write little notes to each other, which is fun.

DIY Pizza

Why not combine dinner and a craft project? Everyone gets some homemade dough, and they get to add toppings as they see fit.

Indoor Camping

Indoor tents will bring that summer camp vibe inside, where you do not have to worry about inclement weather or mosquitos.

DIY Paper Bracelets

Watch for friendship bracelets! With this creation, your tween first color the paper with watercolor paint, then cuts them and folds them into a bracelet shape. 

Photos, selfies, and more photos

Keep a camera nearby for your tween to capture all the goofy moments as they create memories they will cherish.

6. Stock up on Extra Essentials

Every parent intends to send over their tween for a sleepover with all the necessities. But a parent might forget to pack something as essential as a toothbrush. 

It is making it a smart move to stock up on a few essentials that may be forgotten.

7. Party Time

As parents drop over their tweens for the slumber party, ensuring you have their contact information is always good. Discussing the party with the other parents is also great as it will help them know what their tweens are up to.

Once all the tween friends are together, make sure to go through all the rules with them and let them know that going against a set rule will mean being sent home. Let your tween tour her guest to the rooms they have access to.

Also, let your tween guests know that you are available if any concerns or questions arise.

8. Check-in Occasionally But Not Too Often

As the host parent of the slumber party, it’s your responsibility to keep an eye on the tweens without being too overbearing. Tweens do not want a helicopter parent; therefore, as much as you are checking up on them, do not hover!

It may be helpful to come up with a safe word that only you and your tween know. This way, your tween can use it casually in convos if the party is too rowdy or she is not having a good time. You can correct such a scenario by asking her to help you in the kitchen, so you do not raise any suspicions.

Remember staying out of the way is a great way to host a fun tween sleepover.

Want more tween party inspiration?

• We have a huge guide here on how to set up the perfect party for a tween, including over 20 themes for your tween to choose from
• Looking for creative party games tweens will love? Here are 15 party games for tweens to try
• Stuck in isolation or unable to see your friends and family on a birthday? Here’s how to host a memorable virtual party for a tween
• Summer celebration? Here’s how to host the coolest tween pool party – plus pool toys you’ll need!
• How to host a Halloween Sleepover, complete with scary movies for tweens
• Don’t miss out on all our tween gift ideas, you can narrow it down by gender and age here:

The post Tween Sleepover Ideas – Formula For Slumber Party Success appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

We know it can be hard to find party game ideas for tweens that are perfect. You need to find the ideal balance when planning a party for your tween between letting them go buck wild when you are not around and letting them sit quietly staring at each other (weird, right?)

That is why we have made a list of fun party games that are age-appropriate and cool for tweens to play. This list includes fun tween games that won’t break your budget, guessing games that will work their brains, and games that can be played indoors and out.

So, if you throw a birthday party for the teenager-to-be in your life, these fun birthday party ideas will hold it down. These games are all suitable for the 9 to 12 year old age group, and most won’t cost you a thing!

15 Tween Party Games for Your Tween’s Party

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

1. Medusa

Medusa is an entertaining game that works well with a big group (10 or more) and enough space.

• Have everyone sit or stand in a circle with their arms around their neighbor’s shoulders as they look down at the ground.
• At the count of three, or “go” or any other indicator, the players have to look up.
• Suppose two people make eye contact; they have to scream and make a dramatic dead play.
• This continues until there are only two players left. The two are considered winners, but the actual “winners” are all who get to see their friends dropping dead.

2. Spin A Dare

It is a fun fusion of spin the bottle and truth and dare cool game for pre-teens.

• Fill a bowl with loads of dares and funny things to do that are written on little pieces of paper and inserted in the bottle.
• Spin the bottle in your circle of friends and whoever the bottle lands on must collect and read out a wacky or funny dare and entertain the group.

It is a hilarious tween party idea with your tweens setting the ground rules for how far each dare can go.

3. Wink Assassin

Wink assassin, also known as “wink murder” or “killer,” is a fantastic tween party game that will fulfill your teens. It is a stealth game that needs less than five minutes to set up. This game needs four players or more where everyone sits in a wide circle.

• To decide who gets to be the killer, you need to draw a hat with folded pieces of paper, and no one should reveal who they are. The assassin or murderer gets to kill the others by winking at them secretly.
• Everyone must make eye contact with the other players when the game starts to identify the killer. The killer will randomly wink at a person or two, and the person has to wait five seconds before feigning their sudden death.
• A discussion is held, and if a player guesses who the murderer is, they have to shout, “I accuse.”
• Here, the accuser can ask other players if they suspect anyone.
• A second person has to call “I accuse,” and at the count of three, the two accusers have to point at the suspect simultaneously. If they point at the same person who happens to be the murderer, the game ends.
• If the accusers point to a person who is not the murderer, the game continues until the assassin is identified or all players are eliminated.

4. Would You Rather?

Are you looking for a fun way to ask tweens some exciting and thought-provoking questions?

• This birthday party game for tweens needs at least three players as the more, the merrier. All you need for this game to get rolling is a set of exciting and appropriate questions for tweens.
• Let the tweens arrange themselves in a circle and choose one player who will start the game. The player asks a question starting with “would you rather”… and gives two options or scenarios to the players opposite them.
• The options can be downright gross, silly, stupid, but not serious. The players can continue with the game until the set of questions is complete.

You can make up your own questions, or there are some great pre-written Would You Rather question games that take out the thinking work!

5. Pass The Peanut

Do you need a game of concentration and balance as a party idea for tweens? Pass the peanut will do just that. You do not need to use peanuts but anything light that can be held at the base of the spoon.

• Have the gang stand or sit in a circle or two lines with each player holding a plastic spoon in their mouth with the spoon part sticking out.
• The peanut/M&M/cotton ball or something light is placed on one player’s spoon-ideally the one at the start of the line- and the game starts.
• Players have to balance the peanut on their spoon and pass it on to the next person’s spoon.
• Players who make the pass without dropping the peanut get to stay, and if you drop the peanut, you are out.
• The one rule is that you can not use your hands, and the last two players who are left standing are the winners.

NB – check their are no nut allergies in your group – use an alternative object if this is the case!

6. Sock Wrestling

Are you on the hunt for a fun girl/boy game for tween parties? This ridiculous and exciting game will ensure your tween’s party is fun. Sock wrestling needs six or more players for maximum fun and two pairs of socks.

• It’s a fun wrestling match of two people with a silly goal of getting off their socks without using their hands all the while as they lie down on the floor.
• Sock wrestling can also be flipped to putting on the socks without using their hands or removing the opponent’s socks. Fun right?

There needs to be a referee for this game; undoubtedly there will be disputes!

7. Wacky Duck

Wacky duck is a fun party game for 12-year-olds who have begun emotional growth. It’s a game that brings out the silliness in teens while allowing them to get close to each other( well, even their crushes! ). Wacky duck requires proximity between players and plays eight or more.

• The Players sit in a circle with enough room for one person to be in the center. The person in the center is blindfolded and spun around a few times as everyone swaps seats.
• Once everyone has their new spot, the blindfolded player feels the other players in the circle with a rolled-up newspaper or a wooden spoon. If they stop at a person, they have to sit on their laps, and the person seated on has to quack like a duck in a silly or wacky voice.
• The blindfolded player has to guess who the quaker is, and if they get it right, they get to take a seat, and the one who made a quack voice is blindfolded. If the blindfolded guesses wrongly, the game continues until they guess right.

8. Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping beauty is a no-touching game similar to “Honey if you love me.” It is a tween game that guarantees some silly fun at a slumber party.

• Sleeping beauty is all about being resilient and not giving up where each player takes turns playing sleeping beauty. One has to lie down as if in deep slumber and must not move, talk or even flinch.
• The other players must try to wake them by making them laugh or smile. Players can say all sorts of silly things to make the sleeping beauty smile or laugh, making it fun.

9. Yard Twister

Do you have great weather and limited space? But you want your tween to scrum for a bit, then this spin on the classic family game twister will deliver.

• Take the fun to the backyard or the park as you get some yard paint and paint a giant twister board out on the grass.
• Tweens always love the chance to be close to one another, and this game allows them this opportunity but in a pretty harmless way.

10. Never Have I Ever

Never Have I ever is a favorite tween slumber party game as it plays well in a small group of friends where everyone knows each other quite well – or thinks they do!

• Players sit in a circle and are handed 20 pieces of candy each.
• Taking turns, everyone names something they have never done.
• Every time a player makes a “never have I ever” statement, a player in the group who has done that thing mentioned takes a candy.
• The first one to finish eating their candy is the winner.

11. Speed Stacker

Speed stacker is a simple staking game that allows your tween to use their grey cells while having fun. It is a game that needs six or more players and can use anything (including the zillion soda cups used at the party ); cans can also work and a table.

• Each player has exactly one minute to stack as many cups as possible.
• The player with the highest number of cups or cans wins.

12. Balloon Stomp

Think this one is just for little kids? Think again! Balloon stomp is an outdoor party game that your tween can play in the backyard.

• It is a group game (10 or more players) that needs lots of balloons and strings and can get a little noisy with the balloons bursting and players shouting with joy.
• It has a simple aim-you must burst your opponent’s balloon without losing yours. You need to split the groups into teams and tie the balloons to their legs with a long string. The strings can be in two different colors to quickly identify the teams.
• Players have to move around quickly and step the other team’s balloon only with their feet as soon as the referee says “go.”
• The team to successfully burst all other teams’ balloon wins.

13. Taste the Rainbow

Taste the rainbow game involves dumping skittles in a bowl in the middle of the table and arming each player with a straw and a cap.

• The competition aims to pick up as many skittles as you can using only a straw.
• The one rule is that players can not touch the skittles with their hands as they transfer them using the straws in their hands from the bowl to their cups without dropping them.
• The first to collect each color of skittles to  form a rainbow in their cup is the winner.

14. Selfie Scavenger Hunt

The selfie scavenger hunt is a scavenger option coupled with the activity tweens love most taking selfies.

• Split them into even groups depending on the number of teens in the party. Having created a list of things, places, or objects they need to find in the neighborhood and have them take a selfie of themselves with these items.
• Finding the things should be completed within 30 minutes to one hour, and the person with the most completed selfies wins.

15. Knees And Elbows

This party game can double up as an indoor/outdoor tween party game. You can either use water balloons, air-filled balloons, or balls to play. A group of six or more players will make this game merry.

• Split the players into two teams and let one player hold the ball with their knees
• The first team to pass the ball around their group with only knees and elbows, no hands allowed is the winner.

We hope your tweens will love some of these game suggestions and see that the party fun doesn’t have to end just because their growing up.

You may also be interested in

If your looking at party planning for tweens, you may also want to check out

• Our bumper guide to the best birthday party ideas for tweens
• Brilliant board games that tweens will love
• The best tween movies for a sleepover party
• Don’t forget to check out our gift guides for every tween-age over here!

The post 15 Terrific Tween Party Games Suitable for 9 To 12-Year-Olds appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Now while it can’t replace entirely good times with your friends in real life, a Zoom birthday party can be a pretty good substitute for your tweens to still connect with each other for special occasions.

Here is exactly how to pull off a Zoom birthday party with your tweens:

Getting the tech right – hosting your first online birthday party

We can’t stress how important the setup part of this is! Without clear instructions, it can quickly descend into chaos and frustration.

Decide on your tech platform for hosting the party

In our instance, we used Zoom as all the parents were familiar with this platform and the entry-level product is free of charge for up to 100 participants for 40 minutes.

There are alternatives to Zoom! You can also try apps or free online programs such as FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Skype. Each has different limits and capabilities for hosting group sessions without charge, so work out the best platforms for your needs.

There’s a good comparison of conferencing app tools that can be used for birthday parties too here.

Limit your numbers

As fun as it can be to get the whole class involved, it certainly becomes more difficult to control. We suggest from 4 to 12 guests is a good, manageable number for an online tween birthday where everyone can still be seen and heard.

Send clear invite instructions

Getting ready for your virtual Zoom birthday party

Make sure in the hour before your party is due to begin:

Remember the birthday celebrant will be on camera, so no excuse not to get prettied up still! In fact, why not make it a dress-up theme? Or if it’s in the evening, all dress up in your favorite PJ’s?

As a party guest, it can be fun to also put up some party banners and decorations in your room.

For all participants, make sure the room is cleared of other background noises and distractions (including uninvited siblings!) and that everyone can hear properly.

Headphones can be helpful if there’s any background noise.

Let the party begin!

It will likely take a few minutes to get everyone online with sound working, check for video cameras on, and microphones unmuted. Make sure everyone has been introduced especially if there’s anyone new to the friendship group.

Remember you can mute all participants as the host if you need to speak or give instructions.

Party games to play at your Tweens Virtual Birthday Party

There are plenty of games that can still work well with tweens while you are online, but just make sure everyone has a good connection and doesn’t miss out on any instructions

(Using the thumbs-up emoji under “reactions” on the bottom of your screen is a great way to check if everyone is hearing you OK)

Would you rather

This is a great one to break the ice and get the giggles started (though can also turn rude and ridiculous pretty fast!). It’s best to have a few starter questions up your sleeve as the host, then if the kids are feeling brave go around and ask each guest to come up with their own question for the group.

The great thing is you don’t need to be point scoring or competitive for this, just a bit of fun to kick the party off

Never have I ever

Now it’s time to learn a little more about your guests. You don’t need the official game set for everyone to join in with this one online. Come up with your questions beforehand and ask your guests to hold up “I have” or “I have not” pieces of paper to the camera.

(Just remember if you are buying the cards for this game to pick the FAMILY edition!! The Adult version is hilarious too but not for a tween party!!!

Scavenger hunt

Time to get your guests active by looking for something in the room. Keep the challenges easy as you don’t want people disappearing off-camera for minutes at a time, but hard enough that they can’t reach it from where they’re sitting!

Some ideas include, “Find me something….”

• You can’t sleep without
• You bought it with your own money
• Fluffy or furry
• That you’d never be caught wearing to a party

True or false

Have kids draw up two cards “true” and “false” and they each go around the world and need to give a statement about themselves. The other kids need to guess if the statement is true or false. 1 point for a correct answer or 0 points if you get it wrong.

Name that tune

Play the first few bars of a song then the fastest hand first to name the tune on their paper wins!

Fluffy Bunny

This one needs a little more preparation as all your guests will need some marshmallows! The objective of the game is simple, the results can be hilarious.

You need to try and say “fluffy bunny” with a marshmallow in your mouth. Then add another, each person takes their turn. The game keeps going until your mouth is too stuffed to say it again, then that player is eliminated. How many rounds can you go?

Cookie Face

This will again need a little preparation to make sure each of your guests has the right equipment to hand but it’s a pretty simple one to execute – you will need a packet of cookies.

Simply start with the cookie on your forehead and the first one to use their facial muscles to wiggle it down to their mouth and eat it wins! Be prepared for plenty of crumbs…

Charades

Your guests may need some prompter cards in advance for this, or the creative can make them up as they go. Divide your guests into teams and let’s see how many classic charades games they can guess!

The finishing touches for your virtual birthday party

Of course, no party is complete without a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung to the celebrant. You may not be able to enjoy virtual cake but your birthday tween can certainly blow out their candles with everyone still clapping and cheering them on.

* As a special birthday surprise, have each guest prepare one word to hold up at the end of the party to describe their friend then capture a screenshot of all the partygoers as a keepsake from this unique time in our lives when only virtual parties may be possible.

Have you got any ideas to add for the best possible virtual party experience? Let us know in the comments below!

This post first appeared on mamaloveshome.com and has been reproduced with permission.

More Tween Party Advice

Looking for more party ideas for your tween? Moving from the virtual world back to reality we have plenty of ideas to help your tween with their special day – or any occasion they’re looking to celebrate. Why not check out next:

The post How to Host a Memorable Virtual Tween Party For 9 to 12 Year Olds appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.